Antone and Miles City

Wish I had been two guys this past weekend; I would love to have been in Miles City for the bucking horse sale but my heart decision was to go support the benefit for Antone Helfrich in Killdeer, ND. Saturday was the poker tourney at the Buckskin in Killdeer.

44 players I believe: Wendell Viegan was the winner - he and JW Lorenz went head to head at the end.  They also had a silent auction. Antone was there but didn't look too bad for a guy who's had a coal dust explosion right in front of him. Frankly, I think he's lucky to be alive. The young bulldogger still wears gloves and cover for his arms to protect the skin grafts. He's recovering well but his Mom told us Sunday that he was still very uncomfortable and in some pain.


The steer wrestling on Sunday at the Killdeer arena was great! An absolutely gorgeous day with a nice crowd and 51 contestants. Chad Smith of Trotters, ND was the winner on 3 head (it was a 2 header with the top 12 to the Finals). The Dickinson State grad and College National Finals veteran never wavered when it was his turn to go last. The whole shebang went off nicely and I got to announce and spend quite a bit of time with Benny Paulson - that was nice too.

Meanwhile, in Miles City the world famous Bucking Horse Sale enjoyed the same good weather and huge crowds. Jack, at the Saddlery, told me it was probably the best weekend they'd ever had for business. Cousin Pete Larson went up to report for us on the matched bronc ride on Sunday. The 3 Elshere boys from South Dakota took the top 3 places with JJ coming out on top. Maybe next year I'll make it...

...See ya down the road!